Introduction
Egypt is a treasure trove of history and heritage. The pyramids, the Nile, and King Tutankhamen’s tomb there is so much to see, and you’ll want at least 10 days to experience it all. In this itinerary, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour that hits all the major sites as well as some lesser-known treasures. You’ll have time to relax in between cities while still getting a solid sense of what makes Egypt one of the most fascinating countries in the world.
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
- You’ll travel to Cairo by plane, arriving at the airport.
- Get a taxi to your hotel.
- Check into your hotel and rest for the day.
Day 2: Old Cairo
Old Cairo is the oldest part of Cairo, dating back to its founding in AD 969. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to see the history of Cairo with its ancient mosques, monasteries, and churches. The streets are very narrow and it can get crowded during the day so we recommend you visit Old Cairo early in the morning or late at night when things are less busy. Old Cairo has a lot of famous restaurants where you can eat local food but also international fares like Italian pizza or French baguettes!
Day 3: Explore the Egyptian Museum
This is your first taste of a truly immense museum. The Egyptian Museum, located in Tahrir Square and founded in 1858, is home to over 140,000 artifacts. On your visit here you will see some of the world’s most famous artifacts from Ancient Egypt, including King Tutankhamun’s famous golden burial mask (which was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter). You’ll also get an up-close look at other treasures like Pharoah Ramses II’s war chariot and his mummy!
Day 4: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and Suppers
You can see the pyramids at any time of day, but it’s best to go early to avoid crowds, or later in the evening when they’re illuminated. The Sphinx is open from 9 am until 5 pm, and the pyramids are open from 8 am until 5 pm. They close earlier on Fridays and holidays. It’s best to get there by taxi or Uber (which is cheap) because only 50 cars at a time are allowed into the parking lot nearby; buses stop running after 4 pm as well.
- What Time Can You See Everything?
The sphinx is open from 9 am – 6:30 pm daily except Fridays and holidays when it closes earlier at 4:30 pm. The pyramids are open daily from 8 am – 5:00 pm with an earlier closing time on Fridays and holidays at 3:00 pm.
Day 5: Memphis and Sakkara
Memphis and Sakkara are two important sites that sit side by side, with Memphis being the ancient capital of Egypt. It’s still considered to be the spiritual heart of Egypt today.
Sakkara was once a necropolis and is now home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Step Pyramid. This pyramid was built by King Djoser 3,600 years ago for his burial chamber. It’s also worth visiting as an example of how far back in history mankind could build these structures so successfully! Memphis has its fair share of ancient wonders as well; it’s most famous being The Great Sphinx which guards overall visitors to this sacred place.
Day 6-7: Luxor
- Valley of the Kings, Egypt.
- Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahri), Egypt.
- Temple of Karnak, Egypt.
Luxor is a great place to relax after your previous busy days in Cairo. There are many things to do here, including visiting the Valley of the Kings and other ancient sites. If you have time, go out for some shopping at Luxor Souk Bazaar or visit Karnak Temple which is one of the largest religious complexes in all of Egypt. You could also get a massage at Luxor Temple where they will give you an amazing experience as they bring their special technique that was passed down from generation to generation thousands of years ago; this place will surely leave you relaxed and happy!
Day 8-9 Aswan
- Kom Ombo and Edfu: In these two temples, you’ll be able to see the very first major Egyptian temples built by Ptolemy V. Kom Ombo is known for its Great Temple of Sobek which houses a beautiful sanctuary with a large statue of Sobek, while Edfu has a magnificent Temple of Horus which features some of the most well-preserved reliefs in Egypt.
- Take a felucca trip on the Nile: If you want an authentic Nile experience, take a felucca ride along this river that flows through Egypt, and consider yourself lucky if your trip takes place during one of Aswan’s famous flood seasons (usually October to December). The views will be breathtaking!
- Visit the Temple of Isis: This temple was originally built by Alexander the Great but rebuilt several times over thousands of years until it became what it is today a temple dedicated to Goddess Isis and her husband Osiris. This temple was originally built by Alexander the Great but rebuilt several times over thousands of years until it became what it is today a temple dedicated to Goddess Isis and her husband Osiris. This temple was originally built by Alexander the Great but rebuilt several times over thousands of years until it became what it is today a temple dedicated to Goddess Isis and her husband Osiris.
Day 10 Head Home
- Fly home.
- Pack up your things and say goodbye to friends, family, and the country you have just visited.
- Say goodbye to Egypt the country you have just left.
With a 10-day trip to Egypt, you can see all the biggest sites plus get some time to relax. You’ll be able to fly into Cairo and out of Luxor, allowing you to see two different parts of the country in just one trip.
Conclusion
Egypt is a country that has so much to offer its visitors. With this itinerary, you can see all of the major sites, and have some time to relax and explore on your own as well. If you have more time, consider adding a side trip to Alexandria or other parts of the country like Siwa and Dahab. Just remember that most of the sites in Egypt are closed on Mondays. Also, be sure to check out our post on what to pack for Egypt before you go!
